The Amazing Step Pyramids list reveals that various ancient civilizations across the globe constructed step pyramids. However, the ancient Egyptians deviated from this pattern after building the step pyramid of Djoser and instead opted for the straight-sided true pyramid design.
This new design emerged around 2600 BC and remained the preferred style for royal burials until 1550 BC, when the Egyptians ceased constructing pyramids altogether.
Subsequent civilizations drew inspiration from the Egyptians, incorporating similar pyramid structures in their own tombs. Even today, architects continue to utilize the pyramid shape in diverse buildings, including hotels, casinos, and skyscrapers.
Therefore, our top 10 list of true pyramids consists of various types of true pyramids from around the world, spanning a remarkable timeframe of over 4,500 years.
10. Ryugyong Hotel
The North Korean government initiated a massive hotel project in 1987, possibly in retaliation to the completion of the Stamford Hotel in Singapore by a South Korean company a year earlier.
Right from the start, the construction of the “Hotel of Doom” faced numerous issues and eventually halted after five years due to financial problems. As a result, the city of Pyongyang was left with an unusual and incomplete pyramid-shaped skyscraper towering at 330 meters.
Notably, this structure is the largest in the country and the 24th tallest building globally. Although official images of Pyongyang often showcase the Ryugyong Hotel lit up at night, it’s essential to note that this effect is achieved through photo manipulation.
9. Bent Pyramid
The Beny Pyramid, situated in Dahshur, was constructed by pharaoh Sneferu as his second pyramid. One intriguing aspect is that this pyramid emerges from the desert with a 55-degree angle, but then unexpectedly transitions to a gentler 43-degree angle.
According to a theory, the initial steep angle posed a challenge as the weight above the inner chambers and passageways grew too immense. This compelled the builders to adjust to a shallower angle.
Remarkably, the Bent Pyramid is the sole pyramid in Egypt that retains its polished limestone outer casing to a significant extent even today.
8. Luxor Hotel
The Luxor hotel was one of the pioneering megaresorts that graced the Las Vegas Strip throughout the 1990s. In an astonishing feat of efficiency, it was completed within a mere eighteen months, opening its doors to the public in 1993.
Boasting an impressive 2,526 guest rooms and suites, a sprawling 120,000 square feet of casino space, and a delightful assortment of entertainment options including a showroom and various restaurants, the Luxor truly had it all.
To top it off, the crowning glory of this architectural wonder was its magnificent 30-story glass and steel pyramid, an awe-inspiring structure that stood at three-quarters the height of its inspiration, the illustrious Great Pyramid in Giza, Egypt.
7. Red Pyramid
Pharaoh Sneferu, feeling unsatisfied with the outcome of his previous pyramid, decided to embark on the construction of yet another one. This undertaking took a total of 10 years and 7 months to reach completion.
Unlike its predecessor, the Red Pyramid was designed with a similar shallow 43 degree angle for its upper section. However, what sets it apart is that it became the first successful venture in constructing a genuine pyramid.
Standing at a height of 104 meters, it proudly holds the status of being the fourth tallest pyramid ever built in Egypt.
Today, its uniqueness lies not only in its historical significance but also in the absence of overwhelming crowds typically found on the Giza Plateau, allowing visitors to explore its interiors with relative freedom and less restriction.
6. Pyramid of Cestius
The Pyramid of Cestius was constructed in Rome during the years 18 BC to 12 BC as a final resting place for Gaius Cestius Epulo. Made with a sturdy blend of brick and concrete, its exterior was adorned with beautiful white carrara marble.
Standing proudly, it reaches a height of 125 Roman feet (27 m) and encompasses a base measuring precisely 100 Roman feet (22 m) on each side.
Scholars believe that this pyramid draws inspiration from the pyramids found in Nubia, which were in fact attacked by Rome in 23 BC, as opposed to the Egyptian pyramids that have a less pronounced summit.
5. Meroe
One can find the largest collection of pyramids in Nubia, which is located north of Khartoum, along the Nile River in the ancient city of Meroë. The oldest pyramid found here is known to have been built in the late 6th or early 5th century BC.
Meroë served as the sacred burial ground for approximately 600 years and holds the remains of nearly 40 generations of Nubian kings and queens.
4. Gebel Barkal
Pyramids were not just exclusive to ancient Egypt, as the Nubian Kingdom of Kush located in present-day Sudan also played a significant role in pyramid construction.
Influenced by their Egyptian neighbors, the Kushites built around 220 true pyramids in three different locations in Nubia, surpassing the number of pyramids in Egypt.
During the early 3rd century BC, one of the kings, possibly Arnekhameni, chose Gebel Barkal as the burial place for himself and his multiple queens.
Although subsequent kings preferred Meroë as the location for their tombs, more royalty continued to build their pyramids at Gebel Barkal during the 2nd and 1st centuries BC.
3. Pyramid of Meidum
The Meidum pyramid, located just five miles south of Saqqara in Egypt, is a fascinating structure that deviates from the traditional pyramid design we commonly think of.
It is believed that this pyramid was most likely constructed under the rule of Pharaoh Sneferu during the 4th Dynasty, although some experts propose that his predecessor, Huni, may have initiated its construction.
Interestingly, during the building process, limestone was utilized to fill in the pyramid steps, representing the ancient Egyptians’ initial endeavor to create a genuine pyramid.
2. Transamerica Pyramid
The Transamerica Pyramid, situated in the bustling Financial District, stands as a significant San Francisco landmark alongside the famous Golden Gate. Architect William L.
Pereira believed that a pyramid shape was perfect for skyscrapers, as it allowed ample air and sunlight to filter through the streets below. Completed in 1972, this magnificent structure soars to a height of 260 meters (85 feet).
1. Giza Necropolis
The Giza necropolis, located near the southwestern suburbs of Cairo, is widely recognized as one of the most renowned ancient sites worldwide. The pyramids in Giza were built by Khufu, his son Khafre, and Menkaure over several generations.
Among them, the Great Pyramid of Khufu stands as the oldest and sole remaining wonder of the ancient world. Constructed over a period of 20 years around 2560 BC, it utilized more than 2 million stone blocks.
Impressive in its stature, the pyramid reaches a spectacular height of 139 meters (455 feet), making it the largest pyramid in Egypt. However, Khafre’s Pyramid, constructed at a higher elevation, may appear larger at first glance.
